Shawnee police arrest burglar after residents fight suspect

Shawnee police, responding to a disturbance and fight at a home on South Louisa, arrested a suspect in connection with a masked home burglary there.

Kim Morava

Shawnee police, responding to a disturbance and fight at a home on South Louisa, arrested a suspect in connection with a masked home burglary there.

A police report shows officers arrested Joshua Lee Swantek, 26, on complaints of burglary, possession of a firearm while in the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm after former conviction of a felony. He remained jailed Tuesday evening; formal charges have not been filed.

According to a police report, officers responded to a disturbance Monday afternoon involving several persons, with a handgun and bat reportedly involved.

Sgt. Mike Laughlin’s report shows he arrived at the home in the 300 block of South Louisa to find two people in the front yard, with one holding the other on the ground. With the officer’s arrival, the one being held down attempted to get up and run, the report shows, with that suspect later identified as Swantek, being taken into custody.

Sorting out details at the scene, the occupants of the home reported to police that two men came into the home wearing ski masks.

It was reported that Swantek allegedly shoved a pistol in the occupant’s face and demanded money, according to the report, so he began fighting that suspect, which continued into the front yard. The second suspect reportedly ran out of the back door of the home.

Witnesses reported seeing two men in hoodies walk up to the residence, with neighbors getting involved and helping secure the firearm during that fight, the report shows, with the firearm later retrieved by police.

In the area where Swantek was being held down, a glove and ski mask were found. Parts of a weapon also were found inside the home, according to the report, and a stocking cap was found in the backyard.

Because of the fight, Swantek complained of a head injury and was taken to St. Anthony Shawnee Hospital for treatment before being booked into the Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center on the complaints.

While the occupants reported money was stolen in the ordeal, Swantek had a few dollars with him when booked into jail, the report notes.